Dark Spectacle moth added to year list.

Friday 23rd May 2025.

My first Dark Spectacle moth of the year.

Another bright, sunny start to the morning although it is supposed to be cloudier this afternoon. Temperatures overnight remain very cold still and in single figures, but I still got a fairly nice array of moths this morning in and around my Moth Box. It was pleasant again, though a little cold in the shade, within Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth; with the usual variety of birds seen and heard this morning. Dave Wheatley, from Waterlooville, has joined up to send his moth photos to me, should he get anything interesting. Thank you Dave.

The Moth Box:

A Diamond-back Moth was found on my second visit to the garden.

There were fewer moths on show this morning, despite getting up at 5am to check the Box, but 41 moths of 22 species is nothing to be scoffed at. Among them, was my first Dark Spectacle of the year and a real smart chap too. After breakfast, I had another quick look in case I missed something and found a Diamond-back Moth perched on one of the plant leaves nearby and also the micro moth, Garden Mompha.

While checking the moths, a Greenfinch flew over calling and at least 5 Swifts were ‘screaming’ overhead. A pair of calling adult Mediterranean Gulls flew high over heading south while I was walking my dogs afterwards.

Above, three species of moths I have never seen before. From top to bottom: Banded Pine Carpet (very rare in Hampshire, Pretty Chalk Carpet and Scarce Merveille du Jour. All were seen in Dave Wheatley's moth trap this week.

The Moths present this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Dark Spectacle x1
• Vine’s Rustic x5
• Buff Ermine x2
• White Ermine x2
• Pale Mottled Willow x2
• Heart & Dart x2
• Shuttle-shaped Dart x3
• Angle Shades x1
• Double-striped Pug x2
• Lime-speck Pug x1
• Bright-line Brown-eye x1
• Large Yellow Underwing x1
• Marbled Minor agg. X1
• Cabbage Moth x1
• Willow Beauty x5
• Brimstone Moth x2

Micro moths:

• Diamond-back Moth x1
• Garden Mompha x1
• Ruddy Streak x1
• Garden Pebble x1
• Light Brown Apple Moth x3
• Brown House Moth x2

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Though a tad cold in the shade, it was pleasant enough this morning with Swifts gliding about low over the trees in Pembroke Road this morning. Up to 14 species were recorded this morning on my first shift as both Robin and a Wren were in full song throughout the time I was there.

I shall be keeping an eye out for Bee-eaters as there seems to be a mini invasion of them around the south coast. One was present all day at Durlston Head near the Lighthouse and another is showing well this morning at Dungeness.